Head of Energy, Construction

Head of Energy, Construction & Marine, Canada In this role, you will have ultimate P&L responsibility for three critical specialty segments—Energy, Construction, and Marine—delivering strategy, innovation, and profitable growth across Canada. At Zurich Canada, we’re seeking a dynamic executive to join our National Accounts leadership team. In this role you’ll leverage your deep expertise in the energy and mining sectors, established broker relationships, and forward‑thinking leadership to shape a balanced, multi‑line technical risk portfolio and make a lasting impact on Zurich’s Canadian business. This posting is for an existing vacancy. Zurich Canada uses artificial intelligence–enabled tools to support certain aspects of the recruitment process, including the initial review and screening of applications. Artificial intelligence is not the sole basis for candidate shortlisting or selection. All hiring decisions are reviewed and made by qualified hiring professionals. Zurich follows a hybrid work model requiring three days per week of in‑person presence, which may include time in the office or market‑facing engagements. What you will do Underwriting & Portfolio Strategy Lead the technical and strategic direction for Zurich’s Energy, Construction (Engineering), and Marine portfolios, ensuring robust profitability and long‑term growth. Apply your expertise in energy property and liability—including oil & gas, power generation, sustainable energy, infrastructure development, and mining—to guide underwriting and risk selection. Oversee and support Construction (Engineering) business, with a focus on builder’s risk, including Construction All Risk (CAR), Erection All Risk (EAR), and Course of Construction (COC) insurance solutions. Provide balanced leadership for the Marine segment, supporting growth in areas such as cargo, hull, and related marine risks. Collaborate with Middle Market and Alternative Risk Solutions teams to ensure a coordinated and aligned approach to our technical risks strategy across all business units. Oversee pricing, coverage structuring, and complex account management for high‑value clients across all three segments. Innovate and enhance Zurich’s product offerings to stay ahead of evolving client needs and industry trends in each segment. Leadership & People Development Inspire, coach, and develop a national team of underwriters and specialists across Energy, Construction, and Marine. Foster a collaborative, accountable, and continuously learning culture, with a strong emphasis on technical excellence and market engagement. Serve as a key member of the National Accounts leadership team, helping shape strategy and drive innovation. Champion professional growth and support diversity, equity, and belonging. Market Engagement & Relationship Management Build and maintain trusted relationships with Canada’s leading brokers, clients, and industry partners across all three segments. Represent Zurich Canada at industry events, forums, and associations, leveraging your national and international market experience. Collaborate with Claims, Risk Engineering, Distribution, and Multinational Servicing teams to deliver seamless client solutions. Guide your team in strengthening Zurich’s reputation as a market leader in Energy, Construction, and Marine specialty lines. Underwriting Excellence Set and uphold high standards for underwriting governance, technical quality, and risk controls. Use analytics, engineering insights, and catastrophe modeling to inform portfolio decisions. Drive disciplined pricing, exposure management, and reinsurance strategies. Operational & P&L Excellence Take full P&L responsibility for the Energy, Construction (Engineering), and Marine segments within National Accounts. Optimize underwriting workflows and champion technology adoption to boost efficiency and accuracy. Ensure compliance, operational resilience, and continuous improvement across all business lines. Required – Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in business, insurance, or a related field. 15+ years of underwriting experience in commercial P&C insurance, with significant expertise and a proven track record in energy (including mining) risks and heavy industry. Minimum 5 years of people leadership experience in a technical underwriting environment. Strong technical mastery in operational energy exposures, property and liability lines, and portfolio strategy. Strong background, and experience in Construction risk solutions. Demonstrated P&L accountability and a track record of delivering profitable growth across specialty business lines. Strong presence in the Canadian and/or international markets, with established broker and client relationships. Fluency in both spoken and written English is required to facilitate communication with internal and external stakeholders outside Quebec. Preferred Advanced degree or designation (e.g., CIP, FCIP, engineering, or technical field). Experience with multinational, captive, and cross‑border insurance programs. Deep familiarity with sustainable energy technologies (e.g., nuclear, solar, hydro, wind, carbon capture, BESS, biofuels). Experience managing both property and casualty exposures. Strong business planning, analytical, and change management skills. Compensation Compensation for roles at Zurich varies depending on a wide array of factors including but not limited to the specific office location, role, skill set, and level of experience. The salary range for this position is $220,000 – $300,000, and may exceed the range based on skillset and experience. Our Culture We are proud of our culture of Diversity, Inclusion, Equity and Belonging (DIEB). Bring your whole self to work and help create an environment where everyone feels welcome. We value collaboration and diverse thought, and we provide the tools our employees need to make an impact. We care about our employees’ well‑being and offer a comprehensive health and benefits plan with varying coverage levels. All employees receive a minimum of four weeks of vacation and four personal days per year. We are committed to continuous improvement and offer comprehensive training and development opportunities. We care about our communities and give back through talent, time, and resources. We have earned numerous awards, including Greater Toronto’s Top Employers and Insurance Business Canada’s 5‑Star Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Award. About Us Zurich Canada is part of the Zurich Insurance Group, a multi‑line insurer with approximately 55,000 employees worldwide serving customers in global and local markets. Zurich Canada has been a leading insurance provider serving mid‑sized and large companies, including multinational corporations, in the Canadian commercial market for 100 years. With over 500 employees in offices across the country, Zurich offers the global strength of a top insurer combined with in‑depth knowledge of industries and local markets. Zurich Canada aspires to be risk management professionals’ first choice as their premier partner to help meet the risk challenges of today and tomorrow. Read more at www.zurichcanada.com. Make a difference. Be challenged. Be inspired. Be supported. Love what you do. Work for us. Apply now ⟶ #J-18808-Ljbffr